During the luncheon, Barbara sat down with Josh Lipsky, Senior Director of Philanthropy, to share why Legacy Giving, our community, and the mission and future of JFS matter to her.

Q: Throughout your career as a business leader, as an elected official, and community advocate, you’ve been committed to giving back. What instilled that value in you and has your approach to philanthropy changed or evolved over time?

A: I grew up outside of Philadelphia and my family were members of a synagogue called Rodeph Shalom, which was actually one of the first synagogues in the United States. My mother, Adelaide Bry—I’ve always kept her last name in honor of my mom—was very involved with the American Jewish Committee. In her daily life, she truly exemplified the values of tzedakah (charity) and giving back to our community. And because of her, a lot of my philanthropy has been focused on empowering and uplifting women, and of course, so much of what JFS does involves helping women.

Q: You made your first gift to JFS in 1995. Do you recall what motivated you at that time to donate?

A: I’ve always felt that this organization truly exemplifies Jewish values, and it really walks the walk every day—meeting people where they are and helping them move forward. And that resonated with me. It’s hard to believe that was thirty years ago. One of the reasons I recently chose to join the JFS Board is because of everything going on in the world right now and knowing that what this organization does is more important than ever.

But sometimes life can also be a roller coaster. My marriage to Pat didn’t work out and I needed to figure out a way to support my family. I transitioned to the technology world and was very blessed. I also married my second and last husband, Neil Senturia, and together we share eight grandchildren.

I hope that leaving a legacy will inspire my children and grandchildren to realize that there is something bigger than just them and that it’s important to be part of your community and contribute to it however you can.

Q:  Looking ahead, what kind of community do you hope that your legacy will help shape for future generations?

A: I’ve always been a lady who sees the glass as half full. I’m an optimist. I think you have to be if you’re going to start companies and do all the things that I’ve done. So, one of my favorite quotes is from anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” You all in this room, and JFS, represent that effort to change the world into a better place.

Thank you for sharing, Barbara!

Now, as CEO, Dana is poised to lead JFS into its next chapter—and we are excited for what the future holds under her leadership.

“I’ve been at JFS for sixteen years, and we are definitely living in unprecedented times. Let me tell you a little about my background. I started out as a social worker and went to grad school for my master’s in social work followed by my MBA in 2009 at San Diego State. My parents were a real estate investor and a social worker and unfortunately, both passed away that same year. I often think about what my parents would want, and I’ve always felt that the work at JFS was my calling. I’ve held five different positions during those sixteen years, and now as CEO, I couldn’t be more honored or privileged to lead such an amazing organization and live my values each and every day.

I have a son who is 14 who has really grown up at JFS and seen our values in action by helping in the Hand Up Food Pantry and the Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center. It makes me proud to know I’m passing on those values to the next generation.

For many years now, we knew that government funding was shrinking. Our budget is comprised of roughly 60 percent of government funding which puts us in a better position than many other nonprofits who receive up to 90 percent from the federal government.

There are challenges ahead, but I know we can surmount them. Together, we can shift our priorities to building a San Diego where everyone has a safe and stable home, enough food to eat, and a supportive community around them. And let’s not forget the nearly 500 Holocaust Survivors we care for—they also deserve to age with dignity.

Right now, I want to thank all of you for your unwavering generosity and commitment to JFS. It is your legacies that keep JFS on secure footing and enable us to help thousands of community members move forward.”

Legacy Society members are people with a passion for serving others and strengthening our community. By including Jewish Family Service of San Diego in your legacy plans, you empower us to broaden and deepen our commitment to meeting people where they are and providing services that uplift and empower. Learn more at www.JFSLegacy.org.